Travel Ready Flight Success

The flight was also in preparation for repatriation flights, as there was some framework that had to be put in place, Mrs Voss said.

Fiji Airways successfully launched its first Travel Ready flight yesterday, designed for travel in a COVID-19 world.

Executive general manager corporate communication, customer experience, Government and International Relations and Fiji Link, Shaenaz Voss, said the flight was to prepare staff and guests for changes to commercial flights, once border restrictions eased.

Fiji Airways  brand new A350-900 XWB took to the skies in a fully booked flight within the Fiji group.

For accountant Ashneil Prasad, the opportunity was a once in a lifetime chance to have family travel on an aircraft.

Mr Prasad travelled from Nausori with six family members just to board the flight at the Nadi International Airport.

The Bula Space Economy Class was $200 per person, inclusive of taxes and fees, while the Economy Class seats were $150 each, inclusive of taxes and fees.

Non stop flight

The non-stop flight, piloted by Captains Richard Yuen and Aaron Dean, departed Nadi at 10:30am for the Lau group and Kadavu, before returning at 1:15pm.

Mr Prasad’s secret plan was to take some family members who had never travelled in an aircraft.

“The majority of my family members have never flown,” he said.

“Being the biggest and advanced airline was a once in lifetime opportunity for us to get in with a cheap entry for a luxurious flight.”

The flight was also in preparation for repatriation flights, as there was some framework that had to be put in place, Mrs Voss said.

Mrs Voss said flying had changed at the beginning of 2020.

Fiji Airways’ Travel Ready programme involved numerous precautions and medical safeguards to protect customers and staff alike, she said.

“It will give excellent insight to your audience about our preparedness for air travel in a COVID-19 world, changes they can expect while flying, and how seriously stakeholders are taking medical safety and wellness,” Mrs Voss said.

(Source; Fiji Sun 22 November 22 November)